Why ALDI Coming To Las Vegas Valley Could Be A Game Changer
Shopping for groceries in the Las Vegas Valley is at a tipping point. Albertson’s and Vons – already corporate siblings after a 2015 merger – are set to wed with Smith’s. Someone has objected at the ceremony, so it could be a while, but the number of options to grab groceries is rapidly dwindling. With a lack of competition comes an increase in prices. Not to mention inflation and shrinkflation. If only there were a superhero that could come in and save us. Enter ALDI.
Discount grocer ALDI might be moving to Henderson
If you remember Fresh & Easy, the grocer was a little different. The selection was a bit limited and the stores were quaint. But it definitely had its fans. The chain was the entry of Tesco, a British grocery mega-retailer, into the United States. Unfortunately those went belly up in 2015.
ALDI is arguably a massive improvement on the Fresh & Easy concept. The company, based in Germany, does things in a much different way than your typical grocery store in America. That said, they are rapidly expanding, with over 2000 locations across a few dozen states.
News reports are saying that the retailer is looking at the former location of Bed Bath & Beyond near Sunset Station in Henderson to open their first valley location.
What makes shopping at ALDI different than the rest?
A stop at ALDI is not like a stop at most other grocers. Here’s some ways it’ll be a change of pace if they open here. You might love some of them, you might hate some of them, but the concept is working.
- Brand Names Be (Practically) Gone
While walking through a typical American grocery store, you’ll have aisles of big food conglomerate options thrown your way, at ALDI it is nearly all “private label”. While Costco has Kirkland, ALDI has its own brand of basically everything. By owning the whole process, they don’t have to pay the middle man. That means they can charge less. Although they did add some better known brands to shelves. But it’s limited.
. - But The Store Brands Aren’t As Good…Right?
American shoppers have been groomed to think “store brand” is awful. And some of them, yes, are. But ALDI is known to have very solid options. Plus they offer a “Twice As Nice Guarantee” where, if you don’t like it, bring it back and they’ll refund you AND replace the product. Not too shabby.
. - Like The Deli and Bakery? You Won’t Like Aldi (Maybe)
Don’t expect your typical vast deli counter, or freshly baked mediocre donuts. You won’t find them at ALDI. Nor will you find a pharmacy. Although, pharmacies in grocery stores has always been a bit weird to us anyways.
. - Enjoy The Silence
While we like “Broken Wings” as much as the next person, you won’t hear it while you peruse the aisles at ALDI. They don’t play any music. Why? It costs money to license. By avoiding the music, they bring the prices down further. That’s OK though, feel free to download our station’s mobile app and take us inside with some headphones.
. Nickel and DimingQuartering The Carts
This isn’t a foreign concept for shoppers at 99 Cents Stores. Want a cart? Put in a quarter to get it from the cart corral. Want the quarter back? Put the cart back. The genius concept helps keep down the cost of having to have someone on cart patrol, which again keeps down costs.
.- BYO-Bag
Speaking of costs, plastic bags cost money. So do paper ones. So, just like Ikea and Costco, bring your own bag or prepare to shell out to buy some.
. - Saving Them Money Saves You Money
Sure, some of this stuff sounds like a pain in the butt. But there’s a point. The more they keep the operation tight, the cheaper ALDI can sell stuff for. They famously mop the floor with practically every grocer out there. And the lower they sell stuff for, the more pressure there is on the competition to compete. There is nothing wrong with a little competition.
So when is it coming?
The “when” has yet to be answered. Renderings were sent to the City of Henderson but there is no official opening date. ALDI isn’t talking. Hopefully soon, and in more than just Henderson.
